Flashback Start
Artist's POV
My body nearly melted in it's chair as the warmth of my coffee found a home in my bones. The air around me was rather chilly and it felt rather nice to sit and relax. That last job really took a lot out of me, especially after the 12 hour drive from Austria; I hope that the prime minister appreciates his new seat in power. Most jobs didn't force me into a nice dress but when it came to this assassination, I had to get close to several political figures.
Either way, it was over, and I could finally relax in my favorite cafe in all of France. However, it didn't take me long to realize that I had to go before the person following me made their move. I sighed; why can't I ever just sit without someone trying to kill me? Standing, I gave a quick 'adieu' to the waitress and push open the door.
With a brisk pace, I keep straight, or as straight as I can. My heels making a clacking sound on the stones as I stare ahead of me and keep walking. Even after 10 minutes of walking, the person following me does not seem to want to give up. Thinking fast, I see an empty side street and dip in.
Ms. Pauling's POV
I grimace as the target continues to walk, my feet already killing me from the unstable ground beneath me. How does she do this in heels? It was another agonizing few minutes before I see her duck into a side street off of the main road; she knows I'm here. With no second thought, I walk further and go into the same alleyway. The area was covered in shadows and trash, but I couldn't see her.
Before I could do anything else, the wind was knocked out of me and I was forced up against the wall. An arm was placed firmly up against my throat and my target's blue eyes bore into mine. "Why are you following me? だれが送ったか" Her voice was low but full of anger. I whimper as my breath is slowly cut off.
"I-If you'd let me go, I could tell you," I gasp out, her arm pressing harder into me.
She scoffs, her eyes holding a deep anger as she stares at me. "Do not think so little of me. I know you have a weapon on your person."
I gulp, my hands going up in a position of surrender. "I-If I were to drop my weapon, would you let me go? You know that, in close quarters, I would be no match for you." My voice was strained as I tried to reason with her, the lady in front of me one of great strength. Her eyes scanned my face for any sort of lie before giving a swift nod; she refused to let my throat go.
Slowly, as not to frighten her, I reach behind my back and grab onto the handle of my pistol. I carefully raise it to the side of me, staring at her as I did. With no grace, I toss it to the side, far enough away from me that she wouldn't be suspicious. Checking to make sure I had no other weapons on me, she releases my throat and steps back as I try to regain my breath.
"What is it you want?" Her eyes were no longer angry, staying cautious but now with a small amount of regret.
"Well Ma'am, I'm here to offer you a job; more specifically, a contract. I work for a private company who are hiring mercenaries. If you are interested, I can explain more in the car."
Her face softened as she chewed her lip. "I believe I have heard of this company before." She nods. "I will come with you but I take the gun until I know you are not lying to me." I accept her conditions and the two of us make our way to the white van.
Flashback End
Artist's POV
On the way to the headquarters, Ms. Pauling informed me of what I'd be doing. She told me about the Blutarch and Redmond feud as well as the men I'd be working with. While I was there, I had to record a video for my future teammates. It didn't take too long after that to fill the necessary paperwork; lying about my past had become second nature. Getting the... 'painless' operation for the respawn power was a bit more of an endeavor. I apologized profusely to the resident doctor when I broke his nose; it was a reflex to fight when I saw a needle. But after that, I was able to calm down enough to finish the procedure.
Just a few short minutes afterwards, I was whisked away back into Ms. Pauling's van. I asked her a few questions about the men I'd be working with but the only thing I got were names and job descriptions. I tried to get a bit more but she told me that I would find out more on my own; from the way she was smirking, it was either going to be extremely unpleasant or just downright insanity.
While I stood behind the men as they watched my video, it was very clear that both options were a possibility. A few seemed reasonable enough but there were some that I would prefer to see on the other end of my blowgun. I must admit that seeing them jump when I spoke was amusing.
"I do hope that you will accept me onto your team! I am very glad to work with skilled gentlemen such as yourself." I bow in respect to my teammates, fully knowing that they would not give me the same respect unless I earned it.
"WELL DON'T GET TOO COMFY MAGGOT! A woman cannot be on the battlefield; that's a man's job!" A stocky man in the back said scowling, who I guessed was the Soldier. I pull myself up from the bowed position, eyes glinting at the challenge in his voice.
"Apologies, but I haven't heard of this rule. Perhaps I could change your mind?" I gave him a smile, although it was not returned.
"I highly doubt that! There is nothing you could do that is of value to this team, aside from cooking' and cleanin'," Soldier said, laughing at the idea of a woman on their team.
Placing my hands behind my back, I give him smile. "If you would kindly take me to your training room, I would love to show you what I am capable of."
Translations
Adieu = goodbye
だれが送ったか = Who sent you?
